Learn the Different Types of Therapists (And Find Your Perfect Match!)
Rod Mitchell, MSc, MC, Registered Psychologist
Key Highlights
There are dozens of different types of therapists. Some kinds will align more with your unique personal preferences and mental health needs.
Identifying the best kind of therapist for you is a pivotal step towards successful mental health help.
Feeling lost in a sea of therapy jargon like CBT, EMDR, and IFS? Let's clear the fog. This article from our counselling Calgary clinic will guide you through the maze to find what truly resonates with you.
Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all outfit; it's tailor-made for you. Picking a kind of therapist that clicks with you can actually kick your healing journey into overdrive. When you understand your therapy preferences, your journey to mental well-being transforms from a roll of the dice to a well-planned adventure!
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“The best way out is always through.”
The 8 Therapist Type Preferences
Just like people have different tastes in food, music, or hobbies, they also have unique needs and desires when it comes to types of therapists. That's why psychologists have mapped out eight key preferences that serve as your therapy landmarks. These aren't rigid categories but flexible signposts that guide you to mental health.
Guided by Expert vs. Client-Led: Do you want the therapist to navigate, or would you rather hold the reins yourself?
Deep Emotional Connection vs. Thoughtful Understanding: Are you after a heart-deep emotional journey or a clear-headed, rational look at your thoughts?
Exploring Your Past vs. Living in the Now: Do old wounds need airing out, or are you more about living your best life today?
Warm Support vs. Focused Push: Is gentle encouragement what you want, or do you need a tough-love nudge to step out of your comfort zone?
The Kinds of Therapists That Align With Each Preference
Ever felt like there's one song that just gets you? The same goes for therapy - sometimes there's a single preference that truly speaks to you. That's why, in this section, we'll zoom in on each preference landmark and spotlight a therapist approach that perfectly harmonizes with that distinct signpost.
If you've identified a specific preference that feels like 'home,' keep reading to discover the kinds of of therapist that will resonate most deeply with you.
| Preference: Therapy Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided by Expert: Solution-Focused Therapy | Here, the therapist is your GPS, offering a clear route to your goals. No more aimless wandering; you know exactly where you're going. |
| Client-Led: Client-Centered Therapy | In this scenario, you're the skipper. Your inner voice calls the shots, with your therapist acting as your loyal sidekick. |
| Deep Emotional Connection: Emotion-Focused Therapy | Imagine scuba diving into your emotions. This is the deep exploration of your heart and soul. |
| Thoughtful Understanding: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) | Think of this like a guided expedition through your thoughts and actions, showing you how they're interconnected without getting muddled in emotions. |
| Exploring Your Past: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) | Consider this a new lens on old memories, helping you come to terms with past hurts through carefully guided eye reprocessing. |
| Living in the Now: MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) | This approach is your daily mindfulness retreat, giving you the skills to relish each moment. |
| Warm Support: Positive Psychology | Picture this like writing your life story, where your therapist helps you focus on the chapters filled with joy, hope, and accomplishment. |
| Focused Push: Behavioral Activation | Here, it's as if your mind gets its own personal trainer, pushing you to tackle challenges, face fears, and knock down walls that hold you back. |
Mix & Match: Your Perfect Therapy Blend
When one-size-fits-all doesn't fit you, it's time to mix and match! If you resonate with more than one of the eight guiding preferences, we've got some combinations to consider. Let's explore popular types of therapist that hit the sweet spot for dual preferences.
Remember, if a particular therapy isn't working for you, that's okay. It's part of the journey to find what truly helps.
🏄♂️The Soul Surfer: ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Best For: Deep Emotional Connection + Thoughtful Understanding
ACT lets you surf your emotions while keeping a logical head. You explore your feelings and understand why they're there. It's like a heart-to-heart with your inner self and your brain.
⌚The Time Traveler: IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Best For: Exploring Your Past + Deep Emotional Connection
IFS is your emotional time machine. You revisit your past with your heart in hand, unearthing keys for today's locks.
🎨The Artistic Soul: Art Therapy
Best For: Deep Emotional Connection + Warm Support
Art therapy turns your emotions into a colorful canvas. Perfect if you want emotional depth with a cozy, comforting vibe.
⚖️The Balanced Life Guru: DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Best For: Warm Support + Focused Push
DBT is a hug and a nudge rolled into one. It's the therapy choice for those who want to grow without losing their safety net.
🕵️The Detective of the Mind: Psychoanalysis
Best For: Exploring Your Past + Thoughtful Understanding
Imagine being a mental Sherlock Holmes, diving deep into your past while piecing together the why's and how's.
Next Steps
Not sure what kind of therapist is calling your name yet? That's normal - it's all part of the process! As you learn more about these different approaches, you might just find one that clicks. When it does, that's your green light. Your first big step? Seek out a therapist who specializes in that approach.
Already seeing a therapist? Feel free to ask them, "Hey, can we mix in some elements of this style?" Whether you're asking for more emotional deep dives with EFT or focusing on the present moment through MBCT techniques, you're steering your own path to healing.
Conclusion
At Emotions Therapy Calgary it's not about jargon; it's about finding the type of therapist that will most help your mental health. If we're not that fit, we'll guide you to someone who is. Ready to find a therapy that's as unique as you are? Book your free consultation today!
